Tom Clemens (W9OKA)

June 15, 2002

Tom was a true pioneer, engineer, ham radio elmer and friend. He has made numerous innovative contributions to electronics and radio - from his work with Hallicrafters, Central Electronics, and many others, to his most recent contributions of wide-band, no-tune wire antennas for HF. He is well known for his significant contributions on the Maritime Mobile Net, and his regular involvement on the Collins Net.
I've only known Tom for about 5 years, but he was the kind of person that would take every opportunity to lend a hand, offer some advice, or simply share in a rag-chew. I will personally miss hearing his distinctive voice on the air, and seeing him at hamfests and other events.
My friend Tom, Rest In Peace.

Tom was a great man. He helped me out on different topics on the radio. He always had good advice to me and others. I told Tom that I go to the races in his area and he told me I could stay over any time. I only know Tom for a year or more but I thourght of him as a great friend on the air. I well really miss talking to him. He is now looking down at us in the radio heavens. I well miss you Tom.

Tom was an active EPARA member in our area and was a tremdous source of technical help. He was always willing to help some one and no one could ask for a better elmer. Our club will miss him dearly and will hold a vigil in honor of him this weekend during Field Day. Rest in Peace my friend we all will miss you!

I had a premonition to check the W9OKA website on Saturday. I was not prepared to discover that Tom had passed away. Could it have been Tom's spirit that motivated me to bring up the site - I will never know for sure but I believe that it was. The last time that I heard from Tom was last week when he checked in to the Collins Radio Association's Collins Net on Monday. He was a regular and we all appreciated his support and assistance. Everytime I look up at the W9OKA passband antennas that we use at the Collins Radio Center, I will remember Tom. I met Tom for the first time at the Dayton Hamvention last month. He was to visit us after attending the Butler Hamfest on June 2 but he decided not to take that long ride to Butler, which is north of Pittsburgh. Ham radio certainly will not be the same without Tom. What a fine gentleman and friend to have lost.

I've known Tom for about a year via the 79 Net (M-W-F 7:30 - 9:00 PM 3.821 Mhz)and always looked forward to hearing him in there. He knew his stuff and was genuinely helpful with his technical advice and assistance. His kindness, courtesy and, as one of his friends commented, "distinctive voice" (always +30, no matter the conditions) will be missed. Rest in peace, Tom.

A sad day for amateur radio. Another icon is laid to rest. Tom was always trying to help someone learn more or enjoy more of this great hobby. In 1959, he was the engineer at P & H Labs. This young teenager wrote them to get a schematic. It was Tom Clemmons who sent the schematic and signed a note hoping it would help. 40 years later when digging through old manuals, etc. I found that very same signed schematic so I sent a copy to Tom. Practically every time I would contact him on 3905 or one of the COllins nets he would bring that up and talk about those great days at P & H. Recently rebuilt my C.E. 20A...had a problem so I called Tom on the phone. BINGO! He knew immediately where I should look and what to do! Then he related how he used to help Wes build the early C.E. gear. This talent and years of experience can not be replaced. Rest In Peace and Solitude, Tom. Thousands of your friends and admiring amateur radio buddies will miss your kindess and helpfulness.
Best Regards OM !
Bob Heil, K9EID

I feel very special to have had Tom in our ham radio upgrade classes and to have had the opportunity to bring him back into amateur radio as an active ham. Tom was a kind gentleman whose offer of technical advice was always available. I am saddened by Tom's passing but I am grateful to have known him the short time I did. Tom's spirit of being a wonderful elmer lives on.

Tom and the knowledge he imparted will be sorely missed as well as his friendly manner
and very distinctive voice.
I always called him the Professor and spoke to him mostly on 3805 late at night.It is a shock to lose him so quickly.Very sad indeed.
73,Tom. de Bob K1CVH,(ex N1BO,ex W1CRO) in RI

Tom was a very active ham who was always giving his best with smiles and laughter. He had fun in everything I saw him do. He had to be at every EPARA function as well as other events. We have lost one of our most dearest friends and valued assets. I learned alot from him and was truely honored to have him as a friend. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace Tom! We will miss you and honor you at every future club event. Especially field day 2002. Bill/KC2DLR

Only talked with Tom a couple of times and really enjoyed the QSO's. He was a great human being and a technical wizard.
I'll miss his Wisdom and insight.
God Bless you Tom and your family, We'll see you soon!!!
73 OM

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